Guadalajara implements erosion control measures following La Mierla fire

The Tagus Hydrographic Confederation (CHT) has constructed 2,088 small dams, known as albarradas, in Guadalajara to prevent ash and sediment from being washed into reservoirs. These structures represent 68.3% of all such installations within the demarcation and are designed to mitigate erosion caused by rainfall in areas affected by the La Mierla fire.

The intervention is particularly critical for the Beleña basin, which supplies water to over 400,000 people via the Mancomunidad de Aguas del Sorbe (MAS). To manage the risk of ash, organic matter, and metals entering the water supply, authorities have increased controls at the Mohernando drinking water treatment plant and prepared for potential adjustments to the purification process.

Work began in August after identifying sensitive areas where runoff could transport materials from burned terrain into the Beleña and Alcorlo reservoirs. The construction includes various small dikes across multiple streams in the Beleña basin and the Alcorlo area.